๐ฅ Asian Marinated Asparagus Salad ๐ฑ
History: The history of this dish is not well-documented, but it is likely a modern fusion creation, blending the flavors of Asian cuisine with fresh asparagus. Asparagus itself has a long history, enjoyed by the ancient Greeks and Romans for its taste and potential health benefits.
Components:
- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup of roasted peanuts (optional, for added crunch)
- 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of honey or brown sugar
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spiciness)
Steps to Prepare:
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Blanch Asparagus: Begin by blanching the asparagus. Trim the tough ends of the asparagus and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Bring a pot of water to a boil and prepare a bowl of ice water. Boil the asparagus for about 2-3 minutes until it’s bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer it to the ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. This will be your delicious marinade.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the blanched asparagus, sliced red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped cilantro. If you’re using roasted peanuts, add them in for a delightful crunch.
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Marinate: Pour the marinade over the salad ingredients. Gently toss to ensure everything is well coated. Allow the salad to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and infuse into the vegetables.
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Garnish: Just before serving, garnish the salad with sesame seeds for a beautiful finish.
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Serve: This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a great side dish for various occasions.
Time Needed:
- Preparation time: About 20 minutes
- Marinating time: At least 30 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 50 minutes
This Asian Marinated Asparagus Salad is not only delicious but also a healthy and colorful addition to your table. Enjoy the crisp asparagus and the harmonious blend of Asian flavors in each bite! ๐ฅข๐ฅ๐ถ๏ธ
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for the Asian Marinated Asparagus Salad:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 120-150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7-9 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1 gram
- Sodium: 400-500 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12-15 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 4-5 grams
- Sugars: 6-8 grams
- Protein: 4-6 grams
- Vitamin C: 70-80% of the Daily Value
- Vitamin K: 80-90% of the Daily Value
- Folate: 20-25% of the Daily Value
Health Information:
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Low in Calories: This salad is relatively low in calories, making it a great choice for those looking to manage their weight or reduce calorie intake.
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Rich in Fiber: Asparagus is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full. The fiber content in this salad can contribute to a healthy digestive system.
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High in Vitamin C: Red bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports your immune system, helps the body absorb iron, and promotes healthy skin.
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Vitamin K: Asparagus is a significant source of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health.
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Low in Saturated Fat: The salad’s total fat content is relatively low, with minimal saturated fat, making it heart-healthy.
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Flavorful and Nutrient-Packed Dressing: The dressing includes ingredients like ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, which not only add flavor but also have potential health benefits. Ginger and garlic are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
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Soy Sauce Moderation: Be mindful of the sodium content in the soy sauce. If you have high blood pressure or are watching your sodium intake, consider using reduced-sodium soy sauce or reducing the amount used in the marinade.
Remember that the nutrition facts and health information can vary depending on serving sizes and specific ingredient brands used. Additionally, you can modify the salad’s components to better suit your dietary preferences and health goals. Enjoy this nutritious and tasty salad as part of a balanced diet! ๐ฅ๐ฑ๐ฝ๏ธ
